When I started researching for this project what I planned was a a short session where I sat down, filled in a couple blank questionnaires and hey presto! shopping list. With only a little preliminary research I already know that its not going to be that simple.
So … What Is Wardrobe Planning?
For a start the process of wardrobe planning is different from developing your style. Jennifer Skinner, an online wardrobe planning expert describes developing style as …
…all about figuring out what looks best on you. It involves choosing the colors that flatter you the most and the silhouettes that enhance your figure. It covers discovering your style persona and how you want the world to see you. It involves learning how to put outfits together. It also includes deciding what makeup and hairstyle best compliment your whole look.
Developing your style is all about learning and experimentation. Wardrobe planning by comparison is the process of actually putting together your wardrobe so you always have the elements on hand to look fabulous. Using a building analogy developing style is the design stage and wardrobe planning is the actual process of building.
Which all means that if you’re at the stage of planning your wardrobe it’s expected you already know what your personal style is.
What If You Don’t Know Your Personal Style?
The next step after this one is to audit what you already have. After that I will go through some ideas about defining what is your style and how to go about putting it together.
Whatever your style, or lack of it, you need to have clothes and in this current financial climate it’s vitally important to make your money go as far as possible. The way to do that is by making a plan and then sticking to it. Taking the steps to plan, even without knowing your signature style, will give you the edge by having more pieces that work together.
Step One: How Do You Spend Your Time?
Your wardrobe is a tool; one that works with your lifestyle. So … um, what is your lifestyle? Sit down and do an inventory of your ‘usual’ week. How much time do you spend at work? How much time on leisure and entertainment? If it helps make a diagram to show how you spend your time.
Below are some questions to try and get you started.
Family: Are you married, dating, divorced? Do you have children? How old are they?
Location: Do you live in a city, town, quiet beachside resort, the country or the suburbs?
Weather: What is the weather like where you live? Are there long hot summers? Or freezing cold winters? Are the spring and fall (autumn) temperate or cool?
Work Life: How much time do you spend working? What sort of activities does your job entail? Do you need special considerations in your wardrobe like conservative suits or durable clothing? Is there a dress code in your job or a uniform?
Home Life: What is your role in the family? What style of home do you have? What are your regular activities or duties? What do you and your family do as a group?
Social Life: Do you go out often? Where do you go? What do you do? Whom do you do it with? Do you do community work? Do you attend fundraisers or church or the kids football on a regular basis?
Exercise / Sport style: What sort of sport do you play or exercise do you do? Do you need special clothing, such as for tennis or gold or yoga?
Weekend / Holiday / Travel Style: Do you go a way for the weekend? Where do you go and what sort of activities do you undertake.
Try and take a long term view – over the next year. Are you going somewhere on holiday? Are you planning on moving to a more temperate or cooler environment? Will there be major changes in your lifestyle over the next year?
Once you know how much time you spend on various activities in your life, and have identified any unusual events that will require different items then you’re ready for the next step: Wardrobe Planning Step 2: What Do You Already Have?
Good shopping,
LISA